During a trial for kidnapping in Toulouse, the defense denounces an illegal arrest warrant and violations of fundamental rights after the arrest of a man identified as one of the leaders of the Aira Farmers, a drug trafficking network. After tense exchanges, a seven-year prison sentence is requested. Judgment is expected on May 28.
On Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at the Toulouse courthouse, two men arrive running in a manner reminiscent of the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland: “Running late, running late, I have an appointment somewhere.” Easily identifiable by their large black briefcases that never leave their sides, lawyers Thomas Bidnic and Raphaël Chiche, Parisian lawyers specializing in defending drug traffickers, are expected in court.
The second lawyer had just arrived from the Assize Court of Aix-en-Provence, where he was defending a defendant in the DZ Mafia case. As soon as he enters the courtroom where Nicholas, the president of the court, will be judged, Didier Suc, marks the first arrow of many: “It was 2 p.m., the hearing was starting!”, he recalls sarcastically.
In reality, their client, a 28-year-old man also defended by another lawyer, is suspected of being a leader of the “Arai Farmers” group. He was previously judged in absentia in May 2024 as he was on the run and subject to an arrest warrant. However, his lawyers believe the extradition warrant was illegal. Arguments revolve around the alleged kidnapping of Adel from May 25 to 29, 2022.
After a heated debate, the prosecution requests a seven-year prison sentence despite the defendant’s denial of involvement in the crime. The defense continues to fight for their client, and the court is expected to make its decision on May 28.
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